Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five rose to a legendary status in the world of hip-hop. His hit single "The Message," released in 1982, was considered an anthem for every person in the ghetto from New York to Los Angeles. "The Message" is a classic example of what hip hop should be -- a political and social commentary with something to say and a story to tell.
"Rapper's Delight," the Sugarhill Gang's landmark track, was the first hip-hop single to ever reach Billboard's Top 40 chart. The 14-minute song has been called the beginning of the rap music's transition into the mainstream.
Run DMC showed how three rappers were very capable of rocking a culturally diverse crowd. Without Run DMC, record labels might not have looked at hip-hop as being a viable commercial source of music. When Run DMC collaborated with Aerosmith on this classic, everyone knew that rap and rock had now intersected.
"The Show," by Doug E Fresh and Slick Rick, had everyone in the country twisting their lips, sucking their teeth and clicking their tongues in an attempt to beat box just like Doug E Fresh. "The Show" came out in the 1980s and still is considered a guaranteed party starter.
Public Enemy's "Fight the Power" was released in 1989. It defined how hip-hop could combine a socially conscious message with a hard-hitting beat. The "Fight the Power" beat, as well as the confrontational tone and words, proved to be a powerful musical statement
Whenever hip-hop music is played at major events and clubs in the world, DJs everywhere will likely play 50 Cent's "In Da Club." It is one of the best-selling songs ever made and often is considered a theme song for anyone who is celebrating their birthday.